Update to Medical Benefits Beginning Oct. 1

We have an important update to share about your medical benefits.

Starting Oct. 1, 2026, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) will become Cook Children’s new medical insurance carrier. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to care for our team and their families—just as thoughtfully as we care for our patients.

While this is a big change, the goal is simple: To give our teammates more choice and help keep the cost of health care manageable.

Why we’re making this move

As health care expenses continue to rise, we’re taking steps to limit the impact on our team.

For the upcoming plan year, overall healthcare expenses increased by approximately 9%. By transitioning to BCBSTX, we were able to keep rate increases much lower—at approximately 3%.

While this year's increase is lower than the overall rise in health care costs, future rates will continue to be influenced by broader trends and utilization. Finalized medical, dental and vision rates will be available in July.

Cook Children’s will absorb the majority of these additional expenses. While teammates will see a modest increase in medical and dental rates, this approach helps keep care as affordable as possible.

In addition, the BCBSTX network includes more in-network provider options and improved negotiated rates, which can help lower what teammates pay at the time of care.

For example, a visit that previously cost $150 with higher contracted rates might be closer to $120 with improved network pricing—meaning both the plan and the team share in the savings. Actual costs will vary depending on the provider and type of care.

With this change, teammates will have

• A broader network with more in-network provider options and improved contracted rates to help manage out-of-pocket costs
• Added value through programs like Blue365, 24/7 Nurseline and wellness perks
• A simpler experience, with BCBSTX Health Advocacy Solutions (HAS) replacing Quantum Health as your single point of contact for all medical plan questions

Additional updates effective Oct. 1, 2026

• FSA and COBRA administration will transition from Navia to HealthEquity. Plan designs are not changing—only the administrator—bringing all spending accounts together under one provider, as HSAs are already managed through HealthEquity.

What’s not changing

• Dental, vision and pharmacy coverage will remain the same
• The two medical plan options will remain the same

What to do now

Take a few minutes to check that your providers are in-network with BCBSTX. This quick step can help make your transition smoother.

You’ll find everything you need in one place, including answers to common questions and helpful resources.

Visit the BCBSTX / Cook Children’s Transition Support Website

We’ll continue to share updates and reminders in the coming weeks, and support will be available every step of the process.

As always, if questions come up, we’re here to help. Please reach out to the

Benefits team via email at askbenefits@cookchildrens.org.

Thank you for all you do for our patients, families and each other every day.